County manager proposes $585 million budget that won't raise taxes
County manager proposes $585 million budget that won't raise taxes
GREENSBORO — Property owners won’t see a tax increase in 2009-10 under a $585 million budget proposal from County Manager Brenda Jones Fox, but schools won’t see a funding increase either.
Under Fox’s budget, Guilford County Schools would get $175 million for its 2009-10 operating budget, roughly the same as for the current year, but would lose $3 million from its capital funding.
Capital funding pays for maintenance projects such as roof repairs, boilers and heating and air conditioning.
Schools Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green called Fox’s budget reasonable, but said he expects the schools will speak with commissioners about the maintenance funds.
“This is a conversation that we will have to have,” he said.
Public library funding would be cut by $490,000, but Fox’s budget increases funding for community organizations by more than $500,000 over this year.
Greensboro and High Point libraries have had regular funding increases in recent years, but the cut this year would put them back to funding levels from two years ago.
Fox recommended funding for the Greensboro library be cut by $400,000, and for the High Point library by $90,000.
Jamestown and Gibsonville libraries would not see any cuts under her recommendation.
“This is the hardest year for the budget,” Fox said after presenting her $585 million budget Thursday.
Now, county commissioners begin working on what will receive public funding next year. The Board of Commissioners must pass the budget by July 1.
Passing the county’s budget is the single most significant action commissioners take in a year, and sets funding policy for schools, law enforcement, social services and other public services.
The county manager’s recommended budget usually sets up the foundation for what departments are cut or funded from year-to-year.
Often only county employees work on the budget before handing it to commissioners, but this year’s process included select commissioners early on in meetings with department heads.
Steve Arnold, board vice chairman, worked on a budget committee to oversee some cuts and alongside Fox in some of her budget meetings.
He had some kind words for the budget, which is $1.1 million less than the budget for the current year.
“I’m not sure that it really settled in, to this year, that what an outstanding accomplishment and achievement this is,” he said.
“Typically the county budgets have increased about $30 million a year.”
Arnold led a budget committee with other commissioners selected by Board of Commissioners Chairman Melvin “Skip” Alston.
Arnold also sat in on closed-door meetings held by Fox to discuss county funding.
Commissioner Paul Gibson, who was not included in early budget conversations, said he’s unhappy with the cuts to library funding and other aspects of the budget.
“No way can I support the budget,” he said. “There’s $500,000 in new (community organization) funding.”
A copy of the county’s budget proposal will be made available for the public at the county headquarters, and online at http://www.co.guilford.nc.us.
Contact Gerald Witt at 373-7008 or gerald.witt@news-record.com
BUDGET SCHEDULE
The schedule for the county’s budget:
May 21: Public hearing on the manager’s budget recommendation.
May 28: Budget work session for county commissioners.
June 4: Public hearing on commissioners budget.
June 18: Adoption of budget.
July 1: State deadline to adopt a budget.
COUNTY MANAGER'S BUDGET PROPOSAL
Overall: $585 million, $1.1 million less than the current budget.
Revenue: Expected $17.4 million decline in 2009-10, due largely to sales tax drop.
Property tax base: Expected to grow by 1.9 percent, lowest rate of growth since 2003-04.
Schools
Operating: $175 million, same as current year.
Maintenance: $4 million, $3 million less than current year.
Library:
- Greensboro: $400,000 reduction.
- High Point: $90,000 reduction.
Related Links
- Read the proposed Guilford budget (site)
- The Inside Scoop (blog)
